Mali's tourism industry is an important part of the nation's economy, but the recent uprising by militant Islamist groups has led to a dramatic fall in visitor numbers.

Egypt's main opposition alliance rejects President Mohammed Morsi's call for "national dialogue" as empty of content, after four days of violence.

The British embassy in Libyan capital, Tripoli, says it is aware of "a potential threat" against it, and is liaising with the Libyan government.

French-led forces in Mali have seized the airport in Timbuktu without firing a single shot, as they move to capture the historic city from militant Islamists, officials say.

Displaced residents who fled Timbuktu after Islamic extremists occupied the city welcome the arrival of French troops to nearby Gao.

Malawi's government invites bids for its 14-seat presidential jet, being sold off as part of cost-cutting measures.

Two security guards are killed in an attack on a gas pipeline in northern Algeria by suspected militants.

Is the difficult part of the Mali conflict about to start?

Satellite TV launched in Africa in the mid-1990s and it is believed that it has had a negative impact on the number of fans attending football games in different parts of the continent. The BBC's Akwasi Sarpong sent this report from Ghana.

French-led troops fighting Islamist rebels in Mali have taken control of the airport in the key northern city of Timbuktu, military officials say.

Unrest presents challenge for Egypt's president

Bill Gates tells Fergus Walsh the world will eradicate the disease

The women leaving well-paid jobs in the West for a former war zone